23: Janet Jackson – Powerful Women of 2013

When the world first saw a little Janet Jackson join her brother Michael onstage in the 1970s, it was obvious that there was another star to come out of the family.

The singer's first two albums, 'Janet' and 'Dream Street,' were met with a lukewarm response. However, her 1986 record, 'Control,' placed Jackson as a force to be reckoned with, spawning a series of hit tracks including 'What Have You Done for Me Lately,' 'Nasty' and 'Control.'

Not only did she have songs to groove to, but she presented herself as a strong, solo female artist. She went on to release seven more albums -- 1989's 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814,' 1993's 'janet.,' 1997's 'The Velvet Rope,' 2001's 'All For You,' 2004's 'Damita Jo,' 2006's '20 Y.O.' and 'Discipline' in 2008. With each LP she released, the songstress showed a new side to her personality, musicality and creativity.

She took this energy to the big and small screens. Starting with her family's variety show, 'The Jacksons,' she received TV roles in 'Diff'rent Strokes,' 'Good Times' and yes, even 'The Love Boat.' She made her film debut in 1993, opposite the late Tupac Shakur in 'Poetic Justice.' She's also acted in 2000's 'Nutty Professor II: The Klumps,' both installments of Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?' and 'For Colored Girls.'

While there hasn't been news about any new music releases, Jackson did get hitched to Quatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana. She's known to keep quiet and surprise fans, so we're sure a fresh song is right around the corner.